Michalek, 19, played in 24 games last season as a freshman for Harvard, going 7-7-8 with a 3.19 goals against average. He had not played in a game this season for the Crimson.

Michalek, from Harford, Conn., was a sixth-round draft choice of the NHL's Minnesota Wild in 2011. He was added to the Riders' protected list two weeks ago, but it was unknown if he would leave Harvard and play in the USHL.

The RoughRiders are 7-8-2. They host the Chicago Steel on Thursday night.